The three-day conference’s agenda includes networking events, an awards ceremony, and an exhibitor hall.

But the focal points, and two of the main reasons people go to GiGse, are the panel discussions and seminars. These tend to lay down the theme for the entire conference.

GiGse 2017 will focus on the future

With its focus on online gaming, GiGse tends to be one of the more forward-looking conferences. Based on the announced key topics, this will continue to be the case in 2017. Social gaming, esports, skill-based gaming, virtual reality, and next-gen customers are among the highlighted topics.

The theme for GiGse 2017 is “Activate” which will be explored on two separate tracks:

Activate 2017 – Monetize gaming now

Activate 2027 – Preparing your brand for the future

From the GiGse brochure:

“The purpose of the Activate 2017 track is to give attendees insight into how to monetize digital features, profile and target the current consumer base, acquire land-based consumers and implementing a successful social casino strategy. This track will equip you with relevant tools to commercialize the casino floor today.”

“What technology, innovations and regulatory reforms do you need to prepare your brand for the future? Activate 2027 will allow you to carve your path through the next 10 years of gaming in the USA. Through evolutionary gaming concepts, outside industry input and regulatory debates at the highest level, Activate 2027 will keep your vision in line with future.”

Key Day One sessions (April 26)

Day One of GiGse is a half-day. It will begin with a welcome luncheon followed by the first session of the conference at 2 p.m.

2 p.m. – The Motion: This House Believes: Gaming’s past will destroy its future

There isn’t much in the way of a description for this one. I assume the discussion will focus on revenue generated by traditional casino games opposed to potential revenue from new, cutting-edge products.

Assumptions aside, the single speaker is a good one. I know it will be an interesting and insightful session.

The second topic up for discussion on Day One is esports and how casinos can integrate esports events, grab a slice of the estimated $900 million esports economy, and potentially convert esports players to casino players.

The final session of the shortened Day One will tackle technology in so-called “Indian Country.” Based on the speakers, I’m fairly confident the discussion will focus on social gaming and the opportunities there are for tribal casinos to get involved with some of the emerging technologies in the industry.

11:55 a.m. (Activate 2017) – Monetizing on-premise mobile

Another emerging vertical in the gaming industry is the use of mobile gambling at land-based casinos.

In this session, two panelists will discuss the different ways casinos can integrate mobile gaming into their suite of offerings. The conversation will include what type of content to offer and what the ROI of on-premise mobile might be.

2 p.m. (Activate 2017) – Monetizing virtual sports in a casino

Virtual sports are starting to pop up in several different forms across the US, so it’s not surprising to see a panel at GiGse dedicated to it. No panelists are currently listed for this session. The summary states it will focus on the success of virtual sports in Europe and how US casinos can integrate VS on property.

10 a.m. – The Big Debate: How to create better government cohesion?

In the conference’s penultimate session, lobbyist and consultant Bill Pascrell III will lay out his views on moving gaming legislation forward in the US. Pascrell brings knowledge and experience to the debate, as he played a key role in getting the New Jersey online gambling bill across the finish line.

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Steve Ruddock -
Steve covers nearly every angle of online poker in his job as a full-time freelance poker writer. His primary focus for OPR is the developing legal and legislative picture for regulated US online poker and gambling.